Stacey voted out in first round of X Factor Final

Stacey Soloman missed out on a place in tomorrow night's X Factor final two after Joe McElderry and Olly Murs were voted through with a chance of being crowned winner of the X Factor 2009.

Stacey, 20, who had the disadvantage of going first of the three acts gave three blistering performances and deserved a place in the final two. But sadly it wasn't too be as bookies favourite Joe and outsider Olly reached tomorrow's final two.

Stacey kicked off the night with a beautiful rendition of her audition song 'Wonderful World', followed by a scintillating duet with Canadian superstar Michael Buble. The pair performed 'Feeling Good', Stacey dazzling in a gorgeous Red dress in what turned out to be my favourite performance of the night. She then returned to the song that, in my opinion made her a real contender, 'Who Wants To Live Forever', earning a standing ovation and unanimous praise from all four judges.

Over-25 Olly Murs kick started his final with 'Superstition', the audition song that won the Essex boy a legion of fans at the auditions. Whilst Olly was in my opinion the weakest of the three finalists he improved dramatically on previous weeks to give a entertaining performance. But whilst Stacey shone in her duet Olly and Robbie Williams performance of 'Angels' was weak in comparison, unfortunately like two mates singing karaoke in a pub. For his third and final song of the night Olly sang 'Fool In Love', a safe but underwhelming performance from Simon Cowell's act.

Bookies favourite Joe McElderry, who sang last out of the three finalists in each round of songs, once again showcased the note-perfect voice that has earned him so much praise and a place in the final. 'Dance With My Father' was an emotion filled performance and the duet of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' with George Michael didn't disappoint. Joe finished the night with his favourite song of the series, 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word', a good choice that once again showed why the Geordie lad looks likely to win the X Factor crown tomorrow night.

It was a real shame to see Stacey leave the X Factor in third place tonight. But both Stacey and her mentor Dannii Minogue can be proud of how far she has come in the competition - I don't think this will be the last we will hear of the diva from Dagenham!

So Stacey is gone and we are left with Joe and Olly. Olly has done well to reach the final two and whilst Joe might not be my cup of tea, he has been the most consistent performer and out of the final two he deserves to win.

Picture from Now Magazine